As promised, here are the videos of some of my third formers singing B-I-N-G-O :) the most energetic girl wasn't in class that day, so I've got to video her singing the song next time. She's gonna be famous someday for her cheesing it up skills.
Today, I'm in the locker room getting into my work out clothes when a girl in her 20's walks in. This situation is different everyday. Sometimes I'm alone in the locker room, which is even more awkward when someone new walks in (I'll explain why in a minute). It's actually better if there is someone else already in the locker room with me, because then the two Ukrainians can talk and the American can act like I fully understand the topic of discussion today, even though I have no clue what they're saying.
So, I'm in the locker room alone, the typical "Здравствуйте!" (hello) is exchanged, I turn back to my locker and cross my fingers that nothing else is said. If something else is said on the other girl's behalf, we're in big trouble. It's usually a dead giveaway that I'm a foreigner. And then the girl feels one of two things: 1) very awkward that she embarrassed me like that or 2) she wants to know everything about my life including if I have a husband and how much money I make.
Unfortunately, the girl was a #1 today and immediately stopped talking, thinking that because I said she needs to speak slower to me, means that in fact I am an alien. I'm kidding, but you get the idea. I slip out of the locker room, go meet my new trainer for the day, and start off on the treadmill. As I'm breaking a sweat, the girl emerges from the locker room and comes into the facility to start her routine. The trainer obviously knows her, and they start talking...about me.
NEWS FLASH: I can actually understand Russian pretty decently. I wanted to get off the treadmill and tell them that I do in fact speak Russian, you just have to talk a little slower to me. I decided to burn off my steam doing ab exercises instead of confronting them. No point in making us all feel awk.
My workout was brutal today. Perhaps because I can still barely walk from yesterday. Let's be honest though; the only real motivation I had to go to the gym today was the hot shower afterwards. There. I said it :) And I feel much better. After I finished the workout, I hobbled to the locker room and showered. After my 10+ minute shower, I found myself in the locker room with 4 women of varying ages. They're being chatty Cathy's and I was simply trying to blend in and act like I belong...when I get asked the conversation starter of all conversation starters: "Where are you from?" 4 sets of eyes are looking at me now, waiting intently for an answer.
Maybe it was my map of Ukraine beach towel that gave it away (that apparently locals don't buy).
Or maybe it's my Nike shorts, as opposed to the more popular Adidas brand here.
Or maybe, it was my long shower.
The sweet young girl who asked the question is waiting for a response, in addition to the three other ladies.
(in Russian): "I'm from the United States."
(girl): "I knew it! You didn't look Ukrainian."
(Game over, thinks Lydia. Better luck next time.)
Fast forward ten minutes later and I now have a new English club member thanks to my gym membership. Who would have thought :)
And, I might add, the entire time I was standing talking to the girl...I was in my really cool map of Ukraine towel. {side story: she was afraid I was going to catch a cold because I had wet hair and I wasn't immediately drying my hair or putting on my winter parka. Little did she know I just took a steam shower and am actually on fire.}
Today's Christmas video post is from one of my favorite movies of all time. And, it comes as a pair. I'm sure my family and friends who know me well are already ready and waiting for...Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
"Merry Christmas ya filthy animal. And a happy New Year."
1 comment:
Cute videos!! I'm not embarrassed to say that I played your Bingo video and sang it to Dexter just now :D I think he enjoyed it!
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